This multilevel research examines the contextual effects of neighbourhood SES and social capital indicators on physical activity over and above individual socio-demographic background. Using 1990 census data and two social surveys, the hypotheses are tested among 907 Chicagoans in 242 neighbourhoods in 1996. Significant interaction effects are found with gender and both neighbourhood SES and social capital; women's physical activity level is more responsive to neighbourhood context. Controlling for socio-demographic factors at the individual level and the interaction effects between neighbourhood variables and gender, social capital and neighbourhood SES appear to be significant correlates of individual physical activity. Moreover, contrary to most findings in the neighbourhood effects research on health, the data show that the effects of neighbourhood SES are stronger than the effects of household income. Interventions promoting physical activity should incorporate local environmental features into their designs.
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